You are here

Boston Post Cane

The Boston Post Cane tradition was established in 1909 by the Boston Post newspaper.A special cane was presented to the Board of SeIectmen in 431 towns in New England, to be presented as an honor to each town's oldest resident. The recipient held the honor as long as he/she lived. Upon his or her death the cane would be awarded to the next oldest resident.

The cane would belong to the town and not the resident who received it in order to provide for the preservation and public awareness of the tradition and protection of the cane from loss or damage.

The cane is ebony with a 14 carat gold head inscribed thus:

Presented by

THE BOSTON POST

to the

OLDEST CITIZEN

of

Raymond, Maine

to be transmitted

Today the cane remains in the Town Hall for its protection and the recipients receive a Certificate of Recognition.